Moving for mental wellness
Run, walk, cycle and laugh in support of mental health.
In support of mental health awareness, even an eight-month-old baby volunteered at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s (Sadag) annual Moving for Mental Health programme.
Hundreds, and even moms and babies in prams, took part in activities such as mountain biking, trail running and even a chicken run at the Nirox Foundation Sculpture Park.
Aspen Pharmacare, South Africa’s leading pharmaceutical company, supported Sadag on World Mental Health Day (10 October) at the park. The initiative was the first annual programme and provided entertainment for the entire family – from the enthusiastic athlete to the comfortable spectator.
Individuals and teams could enter mountain bike and trail events, with many corporates entering their three-man teams in the 36 kilometres relay. For the less athletic, there were art exhibitions and live music. Master of ceremonies, Melanie du Bois, who plays Felicity in SABC 2’s 7de Laan, made sure everyone was entertained.
“Depression and anxiety are silent illnesses,” Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen’s Senior Executive, explained.
“Because they are not immediately visible like most other sicknesses or diseases, those not afflicted by them underestimate the immense damage they cause.”
The event raised funds for Sadag’s National Suicide Crisis Centre, which receives over 400 calls a day.
“People rarely appreciate how psycho-social, financial and personal issues can lead to devastating psychological and emotional problems,” continued Nicolaou.
“Depression in the workplace is a rapidly growing problem and highlighting it is essential if we are to deal with and manage it more effectively. Depression frequently leads to suicide and it is sobering to realise how many South Africans are being driven to such desperate positions that suicide appears like the only solution.”
If you would like to get more information on mental health or feel you or someone you know might need help, contact the 24-hour help line on 0800 12 13 14.
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